Octet rule the observation that atoms of nonmetals form the most stable
molecules when they are surrounded by eight electrons (to fill their
valence orbitals)
Orbital a representation of the space occupied by an electron in an atom; the
probability distribution for the electron
Organic acid an acid with a carbon – atom backbone and a carboxyl group
Organic chemistry the study of carbon – containing compounds (typically
containing chains of carbon atoms) and their properties
Oxidation an increase in oxidation state (a loss of electrons)
Oxidation – reduction (redox) reaction a reaction in which one or more
electrons are transferred
Oxidation states a concept that provides a way to keep track of electrons in
oxidation – reduction reactions according to certain rules
Oxidizing agent (electron acceptor) a reactant that accepts electrons from
another reactant
Oxyacid an acid in which the acidic proton is attached to an oxygen atom
Ozone O3, a form of elemental oxygen much less common than O2 in the
atmosphere near the earth